The best winter tires | TOP-15 Rating + Reviews

The safety of the driver on the road, as well as other road users, largely depends on the correct selection and quality of winter tires. Winter tires differ from summer tires not only in the tread pattern, but also in the composition of the rubber itself. Summer tires should not be used in winter, even on dry roads. The fact is that as the temperature drops, the rubber becomes less elastic, which is why it can no longer guarantee the desired grip on the road surface. We will analyze what winter tires are and how to choose them correctly.

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Ranking table

* prices are valid for August 2020

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Varieties of winter tires

Manufacturers produce winter tires of 2 main types:

• studded;
• Friction and Velcro.

Studded tires

Studded tires are distinguished by the presence of anti-slip metal spikes. The tread height reaches 10 mm. They provide better grip on icy roads. They perform best when riding on hard, dry ice. It is mainly intended for use in countries with harsh climates. Due to the special design, these tires are characterized by increased noise. When driving on dry asphalt, they wear out faster. In addition, they are banned in some European countries.

The advantages of studded tires include:

• Short braking distance on an icy road;
• Provide good handling on ice or snow.
• Quick start and acceleration even in icy conditions;

The disadvantages of this type of tires include:

• Low wear resistance, especially when driving on asphalt;
• Noisiness;
• Increased stopping distance on asphalt;
• When maneuvering or braking hard, the stud may fall out and damage a nearby vehicle.

Friction winter tires

Friction rubber is of two types: Scandinavian and European.

Scandinavian Velcro tires are similar in performance to studded tires. They are perfect for use in harsh climates, with severe frosts and snowy roads. The tread is provided with channels for removing snow, the tread height is about 8 mm.

Among the advantages of Scandinavian rubber it is worth mentioning:

• Provide a high level of controllability when driving on an icy and snowy track;
• With such tires, you can not be afraid of crossings or snowdrifts;
• Tires are suitable for use even at very low temperatures;
• On dry and wet pavement, such tires behave better than studded ones.

The disadvantages of Scandinavian rubber include:

• Wear quickly as it is made of soft rubber;
• When entering a turn at high speed or making a sharp maneuver, you must observe the high-speed mode, otherwise you may lose control

European tires are optimal for use in climates with mild, wet winters. They are recommended for driving on snow-cleared trails, wet or dry ice. In this case, the tread has channels and lamellas that remove snow, its height is about 6 mm.

Advantages of European type friction rubber:

• Provide good grip on dry or wet asphalt;
• Such tires confidently hold the road even when driving at high speed;
• Low driving noise.

The main disadvantage of this type of tire is that you should be careful when driving on snowy or icy roads.

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Tire marking

Winter tire marking

To compare the technical characteristics of different tires, car owners should learn to read the markings. Let's analyze the conventions:

• P - short for Passenger, indicates that the rubber is intended for a passenger car;
• 215 - profile width, the value is indicated in millimeters;
• 65 – profile height value, indicated in %;
• R - indication of the type of structure (radial);
• 15 - landing diameter, indicated in inches;
• 95 - indicates the load index;
• T - indicates the speed index (up to 190 km / h);
• M + S - stands for Mud + Snow, as it indicates that the tires are winter or all-season;
• Treadwear 220 - usually this indicator is printed on the sides of the rubber, the higher it is, the better;
• Traction A - indicates the effectiveness of braking. The index is marked with a designation from A (highest) to C.;
• Temperature A - an indicator of resistance to heat, is also marked with a designation from A (highest) to C.

The marking always indicates the date of manufacture of the tires. To do this, a code in the form of 4 digits is applied to the side surface. The first two indicate the week of manufacture, the second two indicate the year of manufacture. When buying, you should definitely pay attention to it, because after 2 years of storage in a warehouse, tires lose their original properties.

Additionally, the following designations may be found in the assortment of stores on tires:

The snowflake indicates the winter type of tyre;

• Tubeless - tubeless tires;
• Inside and Outside - the designation of the inside and outside on asymmetric rubber;
• Rotation - indicates the direction of rotation for directional tires;
• Rain, Water, Aqua or open bell images - indicates resistance to aquaplaning.

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Winter studded tire rating

Studded tires are great for driving on ice. However, it is not safe for urban use. During sudden braking or maneuvering, the metal spike may fly out.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,414 - 18,037 rubles;
• User rating - 4.6;
• Profile - 185, 195, 215, 295 mm;
• Size – 16, 17″;
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index - Q/T.

This is a modification of previous ig35 models. The manufacturer has finalized the composition of the rubber, as well as the method of fixing the spikes. The protector is equipped with an aggressive design of the shoulder zone, it is distinguished by a wide branching of the central rib. The special tread design with a branched center section enhances handling characteristics on asphalt. 3D lamellas of a specially multifaceted shape are also provided. They increase the rigidity of the tire at the point of contact. This effect is achieved due to the adhesion of the lamellas to each other during deformation under pressure.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,512 - 11,640 rubles;
• User rating - 4.5;
• Profile - 185, 235, 245 mm;
• Diameter - 13 - 20 ";
• Tread pattern - asymmetric;
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index -T.

3D stepped. Stepped lamellas are located on the inner side, sinusoidal lamellas are located on the outer side. Such a pattern favorably affects handling, as well as traction on snowy and icy road surfaces. A new studding technology is used, which increases the degree of security. The new Eco Tri-star spike weighs only 1 gram and is made from a new material.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,600 - 10,953 rubles;
• User rating - 4.6;
• Profile - 175, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285, mm;
• Diameter - 15 - 20 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index -T.

The model is officially approved for use in winter conditions. Thanks to a special method of fastening the spikes with the presence of shock absorption on the road surface, which has a positive effect on the smoothness of movement. Bear claw tread pattern reduces braking distance on ice and improves grip. For the manufacture of the entire line of tires, a mixture is used, which includes cryosilane, rubber and rapeseed oil. Rubber retains its properties even at low temperatures.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,624 - 11,735 rubles;
• User rating - 4.6;
• Profile - 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265 mm;
• Diameter - 13 - 19 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Speed ​​index -T.

Rubber is able to provide a high level of safety in the winter. The tire features an updated tread design and an increased number of studs. The composition of the rubber compound has also been updated, the material shows high performance on any winter surfaces. The tread is equipped with zigzag grooves for driving in deep snow.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,700-10,870 rubles;
• User rating - 4.5;
• Profile - 175, 185, 195, 205, 225, 255, 265, 275 mm;
• Diameter - 14 - 20 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index -T.

They provide maximum performance on ice and snow. Reinforced sidewall protects against damage and cuts. The modern spike fastening system guarantees a long service life. The Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S is built to handle rough roads and unstable weather.

Specifications:

• Price - From 2,956 - 9,694 rubles;
• User rating - 4.4;
• Profile - 215 mm;
• Diameter - 17 ";
• Tread pattern - asymmetric;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - H, Q, R, T.

ViaMIX rubber blending technology. Rubber designed specifically for Russian roads and climate. VSS technology with variable sidewall stiffness distribution allows the tires to adapt to the road surface. The tread has an asymmetric pattern and a wide stud spacing to ensure high wear resistance and noise reduction during operation. The sipes are often located across the entire width of the tread, which guarantees good grip even on icy roads. SnowDrive technology, which involves the presence of recesses in the shoulder blocks, improves flotation even in snow drifts. The Hydro Safe V system protects against slush planing.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,956 - 9,694 rubles;
• User rating - 4.3;
• Profile - 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285 mm;
• Diameter - 16-20 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - H, T, V.

Compared to the previous model, the number of spikes has been increased by 50%. In addition, they are evenly distributed over the entire area. At the same time, the special tread design provides improved braking grip and acoustic comfort while driving.

Specifications:

• Price - 4,113 - 35,697 rubles;
• User rating - 4.7;
• Profile - 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285, 295, 305, 315 mm;
• Diameter - 16-22 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - H, T,.

The tire is designed for driving on snow, guaranteeing stability on ice. High quality grip on icy surfaces is guaranteed by 250 steel spikes. Of these, 22 longitudinal e and the same number of transverse lines were formed. The spikes are specially shaped to improve braking performance.

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Rating of the best winter tires of the Scandinavian type

Scandinavian type tires are great for harsh climates. They are well suited for driving on snowy expanses and icy surfaces.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,350 - 9,250 rubles;
• User rating - 4.7;
• Profile - 155.215, 225, 235, 255, 265, 275 mm;
• Diameter - 16-18 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - H, T, V, W.

Studless tires are good for driving on icy roads, but they also perform well on dry pavement. Tires are characterized by good predictability in all conditions. The rubber compound reduces the level of rolling resistance, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,350 - 9,250 rubles;
• User rating - 4.5;
• Profile - 225, 235, 245, 255, 275 mm;
• Diameter - 16-19 ";
• Tread pattern - asymmetric;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - Q, R, S.

The asymmetric tread provides high performance on wet or dry roads, as well as on icy or snowy surfaces. For the production, rubber with an innovative composition was used, which made it possible to make the tires more elastic and resistant to temperature changes.

Specifications:

• Price - 2,548 - 11,040 rubles;
• User rating - 4.7;
• Profile - 195, 215, 235, 265 mm;
• Diameter - 15, 19 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - H, T.

The tires are hydroplaning resistant thanks to the V-shaped tread design. Rubber feels good on dry roads. The special Snow Grasper pattern performs well in snowy conditions. The implementation of Active grip technology improves grip on ice surfaces.

Specifications:

• Price - 4,139 - 21,190 rubles;
• User rating - 4.8;
• Profile - 155, 215, 235, 255, 275 mm;
• Diameter - 14-21 ";
• Protector orientation - yes;
• Speed ​​index - T.

They provide excellent grip on wet and icy roads, high directional stability, good traction and braking qualities even on snowy roads. The rubber compound used in production remains flexible even at low temperatures. The tires are made from a rapeseed oil-based compound with a high percentage of silicon dioxide to improve grip.

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European winter tire rating

European type winter tires are suitable for climates with mild winters. They are resistant to aquaplaning, have a low noise level, and provide good grip on dry and wet asphalt.

Specifications:

• Price - 1,980 - 8,566 rubles;
• User rating - 4.5;
• Profile - 175, 185, 215, 225 235, 255 mm;
• Diameter - 14 - 18 ";
• Tread pattern - symmetrical;
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index - H, Q, S, T, V.

They perform well on concrete or asphalt roads. Due to the well-thought-out composition of the tires, they retain good elasticity even at low temperatures. V-shaped tread contributes to the effective removal of dirt, water, snow porridge from the contact patch, reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning. In the shoulder area there are double checkers to increase the lateral grip when maneuvering. The tires of the Chinese manufacturer Triangl are certified according to several standards: Chinese CCC, European CE and American DOT.

Specifications:

• Price - 3,510 - 23,013 rubles;
• User rating - 4.9;
• Profile - 155-315 mm;
• Diameter - 14 - 22 ";
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index - H, T, V, W.

They show good performance on wet roads, snow and even ice. The Nano Pro-Tech nanoselective technology provides a high content of silicon dioxide in the composition of the rubber compound. This provides excellent performance on wet pavement or snow. The tread features zigzag grooves with sharp edges to improve grip on snowy roads. The tread pattern combines 2D sipes in the central zone and 3D sipes in the shoulder area, which reduces the length of the braking distance.

Specifications:

• Price - 23,800 - 27,929 rubles;
• User rating - 4.7;
• Profile - 275 mm;
• Diameter - 22 ";
• Protector orientation - present;
• Speed ​​index - V.

They are homologated for Porsche, Mercedes, BMW models. The tires provide high precision and control on snowy or wet roads. An updated directional tread pattern with a high percentage of negative profile provides good traction. A large number of drainage channels help tires to overcome snow-covered sections of the road.

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Conclusion

When choosing tires, you should pay attention to the models of popular manufacturers. Among the budget brands it is worth mentioning such as Tigar, Triangle. In the middle price segment and above, products of Nokian, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin brands stand out.

When considering the marking, it is worth paying attention to such parameters as the width and height of the profile, speed and load indices, braking and wear indicators.

You should not buy used winter tires, even if they look like new. In any case, a used tire does not have the same qualities as a new one. The service life of winter tires is usually about 2-4 seasons. In this case, it all depends on the odometer. You should also refrain from using all-season tires. In some countries with a mild climate, their use is fully justified. However, in Russia the temperature difference between summer and winter is too high.

In addition, buying only two tires for the front wheels is not an option. This increases the risk of skidding, in addition, the Code of Administrative Violations provides for a fine for installing tires of different types on the vehicle axles. If you still need to save money when buying, pay attention to the characteristics of the models. If you drive strictly within the city, at low speeds and never drive faster than 150 km / h, it makes no sense to buy tires with a speed index higher than the P value.